Undone

iTunes Review

MercyMe takes a few steps towards a broader-based sound on its third album, Undone. A contemporary British rock influence (via Coldplay?) adds a cool silvery glow to several tracks, particularly “When You Speak My Name” and “Shine On.” For the most part, though, the group sticks with the familiar themes and sounds that made their previous albums so appealing to mainstream Christian fans. Singer Bart Millard’s vocals are in good form, shifting from affable and folksy (“Caught Up In the Middle”) to passionate and soulful (“Keep Singing”) as the songs demand. Richly woven string arrangements — especially on “Homesick” — reinforce the band’s themes of spiritual longing and everyday resolve. A country tinge colors many of these tracks, with ’70-style jazz textures lending “Everything Impossible” some extra sparkle. “Where You Lead Me” is central to the album’s message — no matter how buoyant and poppy the musical content, Millard and his bandmates remain focused upon salvation. For those who draw strength from MercyMe’s words of reverence and encouragement, Undone will prove a satisfying work.